Texas Would be One of the Biggest Financial Beneficiaries of DAPA

Texans are proud of the Texas miracle. We repeatedly lead the nation in job creation. In the years following the great recession, our state created more than a third of all new jobs in the country. This year, four Texas cities made Forbes Magazine’s Top 10 “Cities of the Future.” We know a good deal when we see one.

The State of Texas should look out for its best economic interests and drop its lawsuit against DAPA. This policy could have a life-changing impact on Texas families while also providing an economic boost to our state.

– Rebecca Acuña

Which is why the state’s recent argument in the Supreme Court against a program from which it would economically benefit, is perplexing. The Deferred Action for Parents of Americans program (DAPA) would provide work eligibility and relief from deportation to immigrant parents of U.S. citizens or legal residents who have stayed out of trouble, undergo rigorous background checks and have long standing ties to our country. Implementing this program is a moneymaker for Texas.

Of all the states, Texas would be one of the biggest financial beneficiaries of DAPA. According to the Migration Policy Institute, if DAPA were in place, Texas would see an increase of $38.3 billion in GDP, the incomes of all Texas residents would rise by $17.6 billion, and our state would create an additional 4,800 jobs a year for the next decade.